Scott McAngus

The celebration of Scotland’s national drink will see brands from all over the world descend on the historic building for a day of tastings, led by industry experts.

Held over two sessions, Falkirk Whisky Festival will welcome 500 people over the course of the day to try well known and harder to come by drams. All visitors will get a tasting glass before being let loose to peruse the stalls and try the tipples on offer.

Organised by whisky enthusiast Andy Ure, the ticket price includes tastings of dozens of brands and the on site shop from distributors The Good Spirits Co will allow visitors to take home a bottle of their favourite from the day.

Andy (31), from Falkirk, has wanted to bring a whisky festival to the town for years after attending similar events around the country.

The dad-of-one said: “I’ve loved a dram for a long time and going to whisky festivals is a great opportunity to taste new things and have a good day out with friends.

“We have whiskies from Islay, Northern Scotland and even as far afield as Japan and Taiwan – I’d be surprised if there wasn’t something even diehard whisky lovers haven’t tried before.”

He added: “I’ve thought a Falkirk event could do well, we are close to Glasgow and Edinburgh with great train links between the two to Larbert and the tourism industry in Falkirk is booming thanks to the Falkirk Wheel and the Kelpies.”

The event on August 20 is almost sold out but tickets, priced £20, can be bought without a booking fee from Falkirk’s Behind the Wall and The Black Bull in Polmont.

More information is at www.falkirkwhiskyfestival.com, e-mail info@falkirkwhiskyfestival.com or visit Falkirk Whisky Festival on Facebook.